Jim identifies three examples of potential overreach by politicians in recent weeks. Nigel Farage on right to remain,Andy Burnham’s leadership ambitions and the Prime Minister’s attack on Reform UK.
A sense of gloom about the economic prospects is not shared by the West Midlands. That’s Jim’s conclusion having attended two great Downtown events in the last week.
Jim thinks the late budget on Nov 26th will be bad for business. He also comments on the crisis facing Angela Rayner and the radical new leader of the Green Party.
As we mark the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima, Jim reflects on the current nuclear threat and discussions about what is proportionate in the face of aggression whether it be from the Japanese or Hamas.
Jim has a gloomy view about the government’s ability to quickly turn
around its fortunes. He also reflects on the death of Lord Tebbit.
The Chancellor has invested billions in the infrastructure of the future
UK economy. However Jim thinks with the strong likelyhood of more tax
increases, the government could pay a heavy short term price.
Downtown received influential praise for its work at a high powered Westminster reception. The gathering heard how Manchester intended to build on its already strong economic model, but was being held back by a lack of ambition from the government in its approach to the EU and rail investment.
Jim reports that business is backing the Prime Minister in taking a cautious approach on the global tariff war that is breaking out. He also looks at the upcoming elections. With Labour and the Tories unpopular, where will the votes go?
Jim reports from the Convention of the North in Preston. He asks will we see its demand for investment win out at a time when the clamour grows for a massive increase in defence spending?
Jim worries that the Chancellor is relying on the south of England too much in her dash for growth.
Jim looks back on a year when democracy came under increasing threat, and Labour went from great electoral triumph to economic gloom.
Jim suggests the shine has come off Rachel Reeves who needs to see results following her tax increases. Jim also wonders if the Iranian regime could fall following the Syrian revolution.
